EMILY's List president campaigns with Denise Powell ahead of CD2 (Blue Dot) primary

https://omaha.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0d107cc0-89c8-47b7-b1b0-832120591789.html

Luna Stephens May 12, 2026 Updated 3 hrs ago

The head of a prominent national abortion rights group was in Omaha Monday campaigning with Democrat Denise Powell ahead of Tuesday's Democratic primary in the 2nd Congressional District.

Powell, a PAC founder and former corporate executive, is one of seven Democrats on the ballot.

EMILY's List is a national organization focused on electing female candidates who support abortion access.

President Jessica Mackler said she was in Omaha to support Powell because she believes Powell is the strongest candidate in the fight for Democrats to flip the seat, which has been occupied by GOP Rep. Don Bacon since 2017. Bacon is not seeking reelection.

FULL story at pay link above. The Archive site is down.



EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler speaks alongside Denise Powell during a press conference Monday at Luli Creative House in downtown Omaha.
Luna Stephens

Both Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball, two of the leading election forecast publications, have upgraded their ratings for Nebraska’s 2nd District from toss-up to leans Democratic. Making it a likely candidate for big spending as the GOP attempts to maintain or bolster its small majority, and Democrats try to take back control.

https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings

https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2026-house/

The Cook Political Report wrote: “If Democrats don’t win Nebraska’s 2nd District next year, it’s almost impossible to see them taking control of the House.”


There are 5 Democrats that are running in the primary May 12th. The DU is neutral in all races between Democrats. That said, here are the five DU ActBlue links we have for the NE-2 primary Blue Dot race.

Democratic Underground for Melanie Williams (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/duforwilliams/

Democratic Underground for Denise Powell (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4denisepowell

Democratic Underground for John Cavanaugh (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4johncavanaugh

Democratic Underground for Crystal Rhoades (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4crystalrhoades

Democratic Underground for Kishla Askins (NE-2) https://secure.actblue.com/donate/du4kishlaaskins

Democratic Underground for James Leuschen NE-2 has dropped out of the race.

Another candidate, Evangelos Argyrakis has no ActBlue page for a donation link and has dropped out of the race.